This study addresses attrition in the teaching profession, a major problem in Florida's schools. The study's target population was a random sample of 10% of the teachers from a Florida metropolitan school district employing 5,500 teachers. Data were gathered through a mailed questionnaire--the Survey of Teacher Characteristics and Activities. The survey assessed their long-range teaching plans, demographic characteristics, current work conditions, professional activities, and educational views. The return rate was 53%; of the 310 respondents, 127 were elementary school teachers, 70 were middle school teachers, 86 were high school teachers, and 27 were adult vocational-technical/other school teachers. The responses of teachers who planned to quit teaching (31%) were compared with those of teachers who planned to continue teaching. Fifty-eight respondents, who were over 50 years old, were excluded from the study based on the assumption that their responses were largely related to plans to retire. Results from the 242 teachers under the age of 50 years, who responded to a question concerning their long-range teaching plans, indicate that, as compared to teachers who were planning to remain in teaching, teachers who were contemplating changing careers were less comfortable with their working condition, more negative about teaching and education, and more involved in professional associations. Interest in administrative/supervisory positions and years of teaching experience did not appear to significantly influence decisions regarding continuation of a teaching career. Fourteen data tables are included. (TJH)